Additional Links

National Park free admission next week

ESTES PARK, Colo. (AP) - Nature enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the great outdoors next week with free admission to over 300 National Park Service sites, including Rocky Mountain National Park.

National Park Week runs from April 16-24. It's the longest of the no-fee periods announced earlier this year by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. Officials at Rocky Mountain National Park say the snow is melting at lower elevations, leaving the lowest trails accessible to hikers. Snow conditions are still good for snowshoers and skiers at higher elevations.

There will also be free admission on the first day of summer, June 21, National Public Lands Day on Sept. 24 and Veterans Day weekend, November 11-13.